Replay: Chat with Tigers writer Anthony Fenech

Anthony answered readers' questions Oct. 4, 2016

Anthony is here to chat Tigers baseball with you after the team was eliminated from postseason contention Sunday.

by Brian Manzullo via null edited by James Jahnke10/3/2016 5:35:31 PM

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3rd & 7 37yd

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Hello, hello, hello.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:01:40 PM

A lot of questions in the queue, a lot of questions about why the Tigers season ended so early. Let's talk baseball.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:02:34 PM

Thanks for your time Anthony, are you disappointed with the season or did they in fact exceed your expectations?

by Zooke10/4/2016 6:02:47 PM

I thought the Tigers were going to be better. Only a few games better, but it would have gotten them into the American League postseason. I didn't envision the injuries being so big, their off-season additions so bad.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:03:59 PM

Any instinct on Ausmus? How about the rest of the coaches?

by Brian Smith10/4/2016 6:04:03 PM

I think he will be back, barring owner Mike Ilitch vetoing general manager Al Avila's decision. I think he might be forced to make some changes with the coaching staff, though.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:04:41 PM

Tough way to end the season! Why did ESPN say JV and V-Mart won't be back....I think that is crazy.

by Jeff10/4/2016 6:04:50 PM

I think that's crazy, too.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:04:57 PM

The team manager must be held accountable for such lackluster performances by Tigers. Where is the spirit of winning? I don't see it in Ausmus, do you? Isn't three years long enough? It is time for a change at manager spot

by John Hittinger10/4/2016 6:05:10 PM

I think Brad Ausmus did a fine job this season. The Tigers finished 11 games over .500. He put them in a position to make the postseason. At that point, it's up to the players.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:05:40 PM

Like I wrote a couple of weeks ago the Tigers gave it a good try but fell short I hope next year they get some team speed.

by BMAX10/4/2016 6:05:47 PM

Some speed on fastballs in the bullpen could help, too. I'm not sure there will ever be great team speed with this core group of players.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:06:14 PM

In my opinion, Sanchez and Pelfrey cost the Tigers a post season appearance. Both were awful. Will either or both be back?

by Jeff10/4/2016 6:06:20 PM

It's very likely. I think the Tigers would be able to trade Anibal Sanchez if they were to eat a large portion of his contract. A National League team could take a chance. I think Mike Pelfrey will be back as a long reliever and starting rotation insurance.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:07:06 PM

Upton coming back? Doesn't he have a option

by Baraga, Mi10/4/2016 6:07:10 PM

Yes, Justin Upton has an opt-out contract clause after the 2017 season. He'll be back.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:07:35 PM

How will the tigers cut payroll

by Barron10/4/2016 6:07:38 PM

It depends on how much payroll they need to cut. If it's a significant portion -- say, $20 or 30 million, then they might have to trade a key player. If not, they would start by not picking up either Cameron Maybin's $9 million option or Francisco Rodriguez's $6 million option.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:08:39 PM

In my opinion, the timing of Nick C getting injured right as JD Mart was returning likely cost them the playoffs.

by Tony10/4/2016 6:09:07 PM

Probably. I think getting nearly 50 starts from Sanchez and Pelfrey hurt more. They had enough offense to be able to absorb one blow at a time, like their injuries came.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:10:00 PM

Why does MLB schedule inter league series to end a season? Seems American League is at a disadvantage especially in a playoff race. They did this when Leland was here also.

by Tom10/4/2016 6:10:15 PM

It was certainly a disadvantage for the Tigers, who were without Victor Martinez for all but two at-bats in the series. Also, their pitchers had to hit. Ausmus thinks it's easier for a NL team to adapt to AL style of baseball -- with the designated hitter -- than it is the other way around. I agree.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:11:09 PM

You mentioned Ausmus may be forced to change some coaching staff - which coaches are you thinking?

by Sammy10/4/2016 6:11:25 PM

Not sure, but often times in situations like this, the GM will bring the manager back with certain stipulations.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:11:50 PM

Is there a chance Brad ausmus does not return as manager

by Rallo10/4/2016 6:11:56 PM

Yes.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:12:00 PM

If K-Rod is let go, who would likely become the closer? Rondon? Do you think he is ready to take that step?

by Tguy10/4/2016 6:12:09 PM

By default, probably. Bruce Rondon was very impressive in the second half. I'm not sure the Tigers think he's ready, but if they're forced to say goodbye to Rodriguez, he seems to be the guy in line.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:12:44 PM

Do you think the tigers will trade J.d.?

by Dtigers10/4/2016 6:12:48 PM

Not unless they are financially forced to.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:12:57 PM

I heard that none of the replacement players at 3rd base hit a homerun in the 7 weeks that Nick C was out! I would be interested in seeing what their combined batting average may have been too.

by Tony10/4/2016 6:13:02 PM

Around .255, I do believe.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:13:11 PM

I heard a rumbling that Mike Scoscia may be out with the Angels? Is he an upgrade at this point?

by Jeremy10/4/2016 6:13:51 PM

Some rumors think Mike Scioscia may be on thin ice in Los Angeles. I think he would be an upgrade over Ausmus, yeah.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:14:14 PM

I thought Rich Dubee did a great job with the young pitchers. I hope he isnt part of the changes

by Mike10/4/2016 6:14:46 PM

He wouldn't be. Rich Dubee has been very influential with the Tigers young pitchers.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:15:18 PM

If I was Mike Scioscia and lost the job he has, I'd take a year off. Just saying...

by Jeff10/4/2016 6:15:21 PM

Not sure there would be a more attractive job after the 2017 season than the Tigers would be heading in.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:15:42 PM

Any chance they take a look at Mcclendon to replace Ausmus? Though it doesn't seem like an upgrade.

by Sammy10/4/2016 6:15:45 PM

Sure, they would.

by Anthony Fenech10/4/2016 6:15:51 PM

Please tell me that The tigers will be bringing back Ian Kinsler... yes he's aging... but man... what a player on defense... and he has power too!

by Lance Jesterson10/4/2016 6:15:56 PM

Yeah, Ian Kinsler is coming back, unless, again, the Tigers have to cut a lot of payroll.